Vol. LXXXVI No. 46 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
19 Av, 5767 August 3, 2007
Omahans propel USA men’s basketball team to bronze medal in international Maccabi Games by ANNE MUSKIN Jewish Press Editorial Intern A large arena, open and ushering in a warm wind, gave way to athlete after Jewish athlete, signs held high, and heads held higher. The opening ceremonies of the 13th annual European Maccabbi games in Rome brought in Turkey, Italy, Spain, Russia, France, Scotland, England, Holland, 35 countries in all. And, in the midst of all these ancient European countries, a delegation of 84 Jewish Americans staked their claim. They competed in soccer, or futbol, futsol, tennis, basketball, table tennis, bowling … the list goes on and on. The sheer magnitude of the games is hard to describe. Seeing a delegation of more than 100 German athletes -- German Jews -- proudly waving the flag was easily one of the most memorable moments. After the torch was carried, speeches were given in Italian and English and a 15-minute fireworks show illuminated the sky, the games began. Omaha sent not one, but two athletes to Rome to compete. Recent high school graduates, Justin Jacobson and Zach Muskin were members of the United States men’s basketball team, coached by Harris Adler of LaSalle University in Philadelphia, PA. The two Omahans have been teammates from childhood through the varsity basketball team at Burke High School. “My sophomore year and Zach’s junior year, we really melded together because we played junior varsity and varsity together. We communicate really well because we know what one another wants,” Jacobson said.
College scholarships announced by Center for Jewish Education by CHERYL LERNER Administrative Assistant The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Education(CJE) has awarded scholarships to 33 undergraduates and 12 graduate students for the 2007-08 academic year. After considering many factors, including academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in Jewish activities, awards were made from 28 funds managed by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. According to CJE administrator Mary Sue Grossman, the committee was particularly impressed with the quality of this year’s applicants. “Committee members commented that the applicants were an outstanding representation of the strength of the future of our community,” she said. Grossman reported that the committee also “expressed its sincere appreciation to the many individuals in the community who, through their generosity, make it possible to support so many young adults in the community in continuing their education.” In addition to college scholarships, assistance is also available for Jewish summer camps, the Child Development Center preschool, Friedel Jewish Academy, Israel trips, and youth group activities. A Financial Aid Guide which outlines scholarship opportunities is distributed each year in December as an insert in the Jewish Press. For more information, please call Grossman at 402.334.6445 or e-mail inquiries to scholarships@jewishomaha.org. Information is also available on the Center for Jewish Education page on the Jewish Federation website at: www.jewishomaha.org. Those interested in contributing to existing scholarship and loan funds or endowing new funds should contact Marty Ricks, Endowment Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or call 402.334.6440. Continued on page 6
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Former Burke High School varsity basketball teammates Justin Jacobson, left, and Zach Muskin, played for the USA team at last month’s international Maccabi Games in Rome.
“And we know how each other plays,” Muskin added. They joined the team of 12 players in total, from schools all over the United States. There first game was against Italy, and the Italians filled the stands with pride and ice cream. In 100º weather, Jacobson and Muskin got accustomed to international rules, a new ball, and the dead spots on the unairconditioned gym floor. Jacobson started, and played hard against Italy’s offering, and America pulled out a win. While other sports were racking up wins and losses at Acqua Acetosa, basketball was in a separate location called Stella Azzurra. This separation definitely caused some confusion on a daily basis; arranging taxis for families, and police escorts for all the teams, was quite a feat. The U.S. basketball team played Russia next. With four 10-minute quarters, the gym grew increasingly hot and competitive. Luckily, there was a swimming pool filled with Italians wearing Speedo swimsuits right outside the gym! The cultural differences abounded, as the relatively young American team faced a barrage of Russian men. They ranged in size from big to bigger, old to older, and brought their physical style center court. After no play time in the first game, Muskin ran the team for most of the game by contributing steals, rebounds, and 3 points. However, the highlight was when the 5’7” Muskin blocked the shot of a 6’7” Russian lay up from behind, bringing his teammates to their feet, and energizing them in the second quarter. Continued on page 2
Red Cross rejects claim that it has not helped Israeli soldiers by JUSTIN SULSKY to be treated according to NEW YORK (JTA) -basic principles of In her speech at the rally humanity,” he said. “It’s a here last month on behalf very pressing issue, one of her husband and other that unfortunately has kidnapped Israeli soldiers, not developed in any subGoldwasser Karnit stantial way.” demanded to know: Marc Stern, assistant executive director and “Where is the Red Cross?” general counsel of the This week the internaAmerican Jewish tional organization insisted it has been doing all it Congress, said the Red can to gain access to Cross is doing all it can Ehud Goldwasser, Eldad given the nature of the Regev and Gilad Shalit, terrorist organizations Israeli soldiers kidnapped holding the soldiers. last summer by Hamas “What’s perplexing is and Hezbollah during people are blaming the raids on Israeli soil. Red Cross when really it’s Karnit Goldwasser, wife of captured Israeli soldier Ehud The International Hezbollah and Hamas,” Goldwasser, at a rally in New York July 16, called on organizations Committee of the Red Stern said. “You can’t including the Red Cross to do more to help free her husband and Cross has “in fact, taken expect the Red Cross to other abducted soldiers. Credit: Justin Sulsky/JTA the matter of the three go in with guns blazing captured Israeli soldiers seriously from the very onset,” to free these guys.” The Red Cross “reached out to us,” said the organization's spokesman, Simon Schorno. The he added. “They are, as far as we can tell, working to Red Cross, he added, brought up the issue “every time establish contact with the soldiers.” we met with Hamas officials and Hezbollah officials.” Representatives from the UJA-Federation of New In addition, the organization’s Web site features an York and Jewish Community Relations Council of New interview in which its president, Jakob Kellenberger, York, which helped organized the rally that featured sevstates: “We deeply deplore the fact that the Hezbollah in eral prominent local politicians and high-ranking Jewish Lebanon and the Palestinian factions in Gaza have so far leaders, did not respond to requests for comments. Stern said he believed that people in the Jewish comdenied our delegates access, and that several attempts to transmit family news such as Red Cross messages or to munity are unfairly targeting the Red Cross because of their memories of past misdeeds, including the organiobtain a sign of life were rejected.” Schorno said the Red Cross has been unsuccessful in zation’s refusal until last summer to recognize Israel’s Magen David Adom. repeated attempts to gain access to the Israelis. “We made a series of public calls for the three soldiers Continued on page 7
This Week: Whirlwind in Partnership: Page 12 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’
Omaha team leaves for JCC Maccabi Games: Page 2
Coming Next Week: The Learning Curve education issue Klutznick-Harris Symposium announces line-up: Page 4
“Let’s Talk About It” series at Kripke and Council Bluffs libraries: Page 5
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
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Continued from page 1 in Philadelphia. They practiced for two days before Unfortunately, U.S.A. getting to Italy, and quickly couldn’t pull out a win, and adapted to each other, learnthe Russians celebrated their ing to play as a team. hard fought victory with Jacobson described the beer and cigarettes in the Maccabbi games as, “doing locker room! what I love to do, for the The U.S. team’s third country I live in, for my opponent was Germany. faith.” Muskin agreed and Armed with a 6’10” center added, “That’s good stuff, from the European basketit’s deep.” ball league, the Germans Jacobson also recalled made for a challenging when his brother Ben played game. Jacobson stepped up in Israel in 2001, and added, his defensive strategy and “For me, that was an proved to be an essential extremely spiritual trip.” part of the game. He was Seeing Ben play and being a put in to guard one of part of the Israel Maccabbi Germany’s top players, and games really inspired him to basically shut down their want to do this. high scorer in the third America came into their quarter, allowing America to final game feeling good, but get back in the game. France had not lost a game Normally known for his yet, so they knew it was smooth three pointers, going to be difficult. Jacobson stayed focused France’s highly physical 6’4” inside and blocked people professional player made it twice his size. Muskin added that much harder. three steals and excellent The points bobbled back court awareness. Down by and forth as France scored 15 points going into the fourth quarter, America Photos from top: Omaha fans make their way to the opening then U.S.A, then back to outscored Germany by ceremonies in Rome: Anne Muskin, left, Abby Ginsberg, France. The game went into almost 30 points to win the Robert Mosenkis, and Emily Muskin. The American U.S. overtime as the U.S. Open Men’s Basketball team captured the bronze medal at knocked in a two-pointer game. from the field to tie it up. Turkey was an easy ‘W’ as the Games. the American team just downright outplayed them. The heat and physicality of the game took its toll howThey won by more than 70 points, and really found ever, and America lost in overtime. After a long hard week of grueling basketball, sighttheir flow as a team. Jacobson contributed 27 points. Team members for USA Maccabi joined one other seeing, and befriending Jews from around the world, from colleges and universities all over the country, Jacobson and Muskin accepted their bronze medals with including: Bucknell, University North Carolina- honor and humor. “I’m in love with the game,” Muskin commented. “I Wilmington, LaSalle University, KU, Marietta College, Skidmore College, Santa Monica City Colleg. Some can’t stop playing even if I wanted to; I just can’t.” high school players came along for a short training camp Continued on page 3
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Pot Luck Picnic, 6 p.m. at the Frohm Pavillion Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel C The Living Torah at Chabad, 9:30 a.m.
JCC Maccabi Games to begin in Houston on Sunday
L I P
C L I P
S A MONDAY, AUGUST 6 V E JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.
S A V E
SUNDAY, AUGUST 5 Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El & Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Annual Meeting, & 2 p.m.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 WOW Tehillim and More, 9 a.m. at Chabad Jewish Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. Parshah Roundup at Chabad, 7 p.m. Jewish Federation Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8 C ADL Educator Training, 7 a.m. L I Kabbalah Circle at Chabad, 7 p.m. P
C L I P
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 & Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.
&
Friedel Jewish Academy Executive Board, 5:30 p.m. S Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors, 7 p.m. A V Advanced Parshah Study at Beth Israel, 7:30 p.m. E All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director This Sunday, 16 Jewish teens from Omaha and two teens from our Partnership with Israel will travel to Houston, Texas to compete in the 2007 JCC Maccabi Games. The JCC Maccabi Games have been offering a life-and personality-shaping experience to Jewish teenagers since 1982. At this Jewish Olympic style event, each athlete has the chance to participate in one of 14 sports in events spanning the week-long experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The JCC Maccabi Games can be called the Olympics for Jewish teens, but the Games serve a larger purpose than athletic competition. The Games also promote community involvement, teamwork, and pride in being Jewish. The Games are the largest Jewish teen event in the world - each summer over 6,000 Jewish teens participate in the Games. More than 100,000 teens have benefited from the JCC Maccabi Games since 1982. The energy and excitement make it a unique and unforgettable experience for every participant; from athletes to volunteers, from coaches to host families. The Omaha JCC is once again participating in the Maccabi Sister City program, which enables us to bring three Israeli teens from our Partnership with Israel to Omaha. The athletes spent the week before the Games with our Maccabi athletes practicing their sports, getting to know the members of Team Omaha, and learning about Jewish Omaha by visiting the three local synagogues and meeting with the rabbis. They also spent time talking with the teens in BBYO about their lives as Jewish teens in Israel. Following their visit in Omaha, the Israeli teens become a part of Team Omaha and travel with us to the
Games. It’s an incredible opportunity for everyone involved, and the experience of our local teens meeting Israeli teens is exciting because of the common heritage which Jewish teens from around the world share. The local sister city program is funded in part by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The JCC Maccabi Games are made possible with the assistance of many sponsors and volunteers who donate time and valuable resources, including continental sponsor, the Coca-Cola Company. For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games, please visit our website at www.jcc maccabigames.org. This year, Team Omaha consists of a 13-14 boys’ basketball team and a variety of athletes competing in the individual sports of bowling, golf, swimming, table tennis, and tennis. Team Omaha athletes are as follows: BOYS BASEBALL (mixed team with Phoenix): Alex Terry 13-14 BOYS BASKETBALL: Josh Danon, Andrew Godwin, Ben Holmberg, Sam Kohll, Mitchell Raznick, and Max Saferstein-Hansen BOWLING: Lauren Davis, Adam Goldberg, Arielle Pilley, Brenna Robinson, and Nathan Wolf DANCE: Gal Chen, Lehi Sela, and Talia Tene SWIMMING: Marissa Kahn TABLE TENNIS: Noa Harnik TENNIS: Michelle Elkin For more information about the JCC Maccabi Games, please contact me at 334.6404.
August 3, 2007
USA men’s basketball continued from page 2 When asked about his future plans, Jacobson said, “I need to stay on top of my game to continue to compete.” He will be attending Stone Ridge Prep School in California in the fall to work on basketball and hopefully head to a division one school after a year. Muskin’s game resides in the halls of the University of Kansas Rec Center, where he finds himself in daily pick- up games with some of the best players in the country. No matter where athletes came from,
they all agreed that the Maccabbi Games are an essential way of staying involved in Jewish life. Jacobson commented, “It was so powerful to be in a foreign country and seeing Jews from all over the world together.” Muskin piped in, “It better connected me to my Jewish faith, and reminds me what being Jewish is really all about.” Connecting through religion over boundaries of culture, cuisine, and clothing, to name a few, allows Judaism to remain a mighty force in the realm of society, politics, and of course, basketball.
Justin Jacobson 6’4”, 220 lb. Small Forward Favorite player: Larry Bird.
Zach Muskin 5’7”, 130 lb. Point Guard Favorite players: early Jason Williams and Ray Allen
Left: Confetti filled the arena in celebration of Jewish athletes from 36 countries around the world during the opening ceremonies of the 13th international Maccabi Games in Rome last month.
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Opportunity Omaha interns volunteer, meet counterparts the Gallup Campus where they were proby DENA RENNARD vided information about what Omaha has Jewish Federation intern Over the past few weeks, “Opportunity to offer young professionals. Groups such Omaha, It’s More Than Just a Job” par- as the Omaha Jaycees, All About Omaha, ticipants have been busy. On two Sundays and the Young Professionals Council in July, a group of students participated (YPC) met with students in small groups in a community service project with the to share information about what their programs have City Sprouts to offer young organization. people in the City Sprouts Omaha area. works to sustain Juliet also communities the attended garthrough Chamber event dening. Its garand commentdens are primaed, “It was rily food based, great to see and vegetables, and hear how young fruits, herbs, but also professionals are include flowers. e n j o y i n g The food grown Omaha and what the city in the gardens is donated to the David Phillips, left front, and Daniel Murow, and back has to offer. It Omaha Food row: Dana Harnik, Dena Rennard and Lexie Newman really opened my eyes to all of Bank, or distrib- volunteered at City Sprouts. uted throughout the surrounding neigh- the opportunities here.” Interns were given a quick overview of borhood. Students worked in the garden by lay- some of the common and uncommon ing mulch, weeding, and installing wire things Omaha offers. One interesting fact students learned was that there are cages to protect plants from animals. One of the Opportunity Omaha enough restaurants in Omaha to eat out interns, Juliet Silberstein, said “It was every night for three years without eating really nice to see that people in Omaha at the same place twice! How many cities are working collectively to improve nutri- can claim that? Interns at the Chamber’s event also tion through gardening. It was great to be involved with this community-driven engaged in a round of speed networking! event and it felt great to be able to help.” This was similar to speed dating, but A group of students also participated in instead focused on learning the proper a program with interns from the Omaha connections one should strive for when Chamber of Commerce. Interns met at networking
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
Klutznick Harris Symposium announces line-up by LEONARD GREENSPOON Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization Creighton University This year’s Klutznick-Harris Symposium will center on a very timely issue: Jews and the Environment. The twentieth in the annual series, it will take place on Sunday, Oct. 28, at the Omaha Jewish Community Center, and Monday, Oct. 29, at Creighton University. This year’s speakers include two of Israel’s leading environmentalists, the executive directors of prominent Jewish environmental organizations, and a wide array of scholars, rabbis, and others who have vast experience in this field. The list of speakers, along with their affiliation and topics, is indeed impressive: Dean Phillip Bell, Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies, Chicago, will speak about “The Trembling of the Earth: Jewish Descriptions of Earthquakes in the Early Modern World” The topic for Ellen Bernstein, Northampton, MA, is: “The Natural Intelligence of the Song of Songs.” Jonathan Brumberg-Kraus, Wheaton College, MA, will discuss “Kabbalah, Food, and Sustainability.” From Columbia University’s Center for Climate Systems Research, Daniel Hillel will present “The Role of the Environment in Shaping the Evolution of Jewish Culture, as Reflected in the Hebrew Bible.” “Ideology and Changing Attitudes towards the Environment in Kishon’s Sallah Shabbati and Alexandrowicz’s James’ Journey to Jerusalem” is the topic of discussion for Philip Hollander, Tulane University, New Orleans.
Oliver Leaman, University of Kentucky, will offer a look at “Jews, Nature, and Changing Stereotypes.” Representing the organized Jewish community -Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL) -- Barbara Lerman-Golomb, will present “Reconnecting to Nature for Our Very Survival.” Sandra B. Lubarsky, Northern Arizona University, will speak about”Hiddur Mitzvah as an Eco-theological Imperative.” Rabbi Natan Margalit, Hebrew College, Newton, MA, will discuss “A Tree of Life: Text and Nature Working Together.” Gary A. Rendsburg, Rutgers University, NJ, explores “From Desert to Sown: Israel’s Encounter with the Land of Canaan.” Known for his sponsored bike rides through Israel, Nigel Savage of Hazon, will speak on “Food For Thought: How The New Jewish Food Movement Provides a Fresh Route into Judaism and the Environment.” Omaha’s own Martin Shukert will talk about “Green Judaism and the Design of Communities: A Practitioner’s View.” Alon Tal, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben Gurion University, will explore “What Makes Jewish Environmentalism Jewish?”; and Rabbi Lawrence Troster, Greenfaith and Bard College (NY), will speak on “The Promise of Creation: A Jewish Environmental Theology of Redemption.” For further information, please contact Fran Minear at 280.2303 or fminear@creighton.edu or me at ljgrn@creighton.edu.
IN THE NEWS
BIRTHS Dan and Rachel Mirvish of Culver City, CA, announce the birth of Miriam Lila. Grandparents are Lynda and Sidney Mirvish, Alice and Charles Zlatkoff of Santa Fe, NM, and Marty Miller of Camarillo, CA. Miriam’s sister and brother are Rebecca and Jonathan. Mike and Katie Cohen of Oak Park, IL, announce the July 13 birth of their daughter, Haley Abigail, named for her great-grandfather, Howard Kaplan. Grandparents are Gary and Sally Kaplan, Brian and Laurie Cohen, Lombard, IL, and Vicki and Alan Kahana, Aventura, FL. Great-grandparents are Susie Kaplan, Patsy Davidson and Bill Albrecht of Scottsdale, AZ, Estelle Stiebel of Aventura, FL, and Esther Cohen, Chicago.
Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization, will be teaching an Introduction to Biblical Hebrew at Creighton University this fall, starting on Aug. 23, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., and running through Dec. 6. For further information, contact Professor Greenspoon at ljgrn@creighton.edu or 280.2304. On July 27, the College of Human and Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, conferred the degree of Honours Masters of English Literature on Zachary Bryant, son of Sarah Bauman and Miles Bryant of Lincoln, members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Yachad group captivated by Fiddler on the Roof by DUANE J. PIEPER Last month, the Yachad members traveled to the Sumtur Amphitheater at Walnut Creek in Papillion and were transported back in time to 1905 to the small tsarist Russian village of Anatevka. Under a canopy of stars, the first scene opens with a lone fiddler standing on a roof playing a tune, as Tevye tells the audience about the customs of his people and how they have lived all their lives in Anatevka. As the story line evolves, he equates life in Anatevka with being a fiddler on a roof trying to pluck out a simple, pleasant tune without breaking his neck. “How do we keep our balance?” he asks. “That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!” The story centers on Tevye's attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions while adapting to new pressures. The production, directed by Jeff Nienhueser, captured Eric Friedberg, left, Ben Friedman, Avi the charm of Wolfson, Grace Isler, Jill Salomon, Lisa Tevye and the Salomom, and Jeff Steinberg were wide range of among those who attended a performdisemotions ance of Fiddler on the Roof last month. played through Not pictured: Nancy Isler. this sensitive telling of Eastern European Jewish life at the turn of the 20th century. Mark Thornburg’s captivating portrayal of Tevye held the attention of the Yachad members throughout the evening as their eyes were fixed on his every gesture and enticing dialogue. As a story teller “ par excellance”, he drew the members and audience into the saga and charmed them with the beloved music and lyrics of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The members were fully engaged reflecting their own Jewish traditions and the reality of change and personal adjustments on the road of life. They thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to come together and share in this special experience focused on the value of family and community. The fiddler as a metaphor of survival in a life of uncertainty held out hope for them in their own journey. Come join us in future outings and become part of the developing “traditions” of Yachad. Call JFS at 334.6491 for details of upcoming events.
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Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! Facilitator The Center for Jewish Education is seeking an enthusiastic and creative group leader to facilitate Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! a monthly program for girls in grades 6-9. The program provides a supportive and meaningful Jewish experience through which girls can explore the issues they face as they become women. Training, ongoing consultation and supervision will be provided. The position is a part-time position (6 hours per month). One time, expense paid, out of state travel for training is required. Qualifications: • Three years of experience in formal or informal Jewish education or youth programs • Ability to facilitate groups through discussions, craft projects and experiential exercises. • Must be friendly, organized, motivated and a good role model. • Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology or Judaic Studies or any other related field • preferred. Please submit resume to Dr. Guy Matalon, Executive Director, The Center for Jewish Education, 333 S. 132 Street, Omaha NE 68154-2198. Resumes may also be faxed to 334-1330 or emailed to mgrossman@jewishomaha.org. Equal Opportunity Employer; background check required.
August 3, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
Light of learning continues to shine for Temple adults by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “It’s the highlight of my week,” declared John Dacey. For ten years, he’s been attending Sparks Beneath the Surface, Temple Israel’s Shabbat morning study session alternately led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet. “It’s spiritually uplifting,” Dacey said. “I love to study and I enjoy the company,” adding that since the group began studying together ten years ago, participants have bonded as friends -- an added bonus. Howard Kaiman, who has been a member of Temple for 40 years, was one of the founding members of Sparks Beneath the Surface formerly known as Bagels and Sacred Books. “It started as an alternate service (in the Livingston Chapel) when there was a Bar or Bat Mitzvah,” Kaiman explained. “(Temple’s former) Rabbi (Debbie) Stiel led the service. Then we thought we wanted to discuss weekly parashat. We decided to do that before services.” In July, Sparks celebrated its 10th anniversary. “It’s grown up into a separate entity,” noted Dacey. Temple’s Executive Director Dennis DePorte prepared a special breakfast for the study group, which also celebrated the birthdays of Harry Alloy and Doris Parker, two Sparks regulars. Sparks is “a mixture of people,” said Kaiman. There are usually about 25 who attend. Some are regulars and others come once in awhile. “We always encourage newcomers to attend,” Dacey emphasized. No prior knowledge is required or needed to attend the Shabbat morning Sparks session. Sylvia Kaiman, also one of the original members of the group, chuckled as she pointed out that “a few of us stuck it out.” She added, “We’ve got some new, younger people who come now too.” She gave Howard Kaiman, who is distantly related to her, credit for being the spark that kindled the study group. “I’ve always liked to study Torah,” Sylvia Kaiman said. “We’re supposed to read it every week. It’s important to continuously read it. Every time you read it, you learn something new.” “We’ve studied Ecclesiastes, Job, the structure of the siddur, and now even King David from Samuel II. You could study each parashat for 100 years!” Howard Kaiman pointed out. Periodically, conversations are heated up by visiting scholars-in-residence who join Sparks for a morning. In the summer, possible themes for the following year are discussed. Steve Evans, who’s been attending Sparks since its inception, wrote the book, Lifting the Veil - Hidden Judaism Revealed, which shed light on Torah episodes, Jewish practices, thought, and principles. Upon publishing the book in 2005, he thanked Temple‘s clergy as well as noted his “special appreciation“ to the Saturday morning Torah study group “for their inspiration.” “I like education,” Howard Kaiman said. “This has developed into more than just a study group. It’s more
like an extended family. Sometimes, we stay for 45 minutes to an hour afterwards. Some from the Sparks crowd go to the 10:30 morning Shabbat service. “The flow from study to the service makes it more meaningful and spiritual,” noted Rabbi Azriel. Another group that just keeps on going is Temple’s Thursday morning Adult Study with the Clergy. This group of about 30 studies with the clergy once a week from 10 to 11:30. Rabbi Azriel’s topic last year was “Keeping Current,” followed by Rabbi Linder’s focus on the Amidah and Cantor Shermet sharing stories connected with Jewish culture. Starting this October, Rabbi Linder will introduce, “Theodocy: What is God’s Role in Suffering and Pain?” In the winter, Cantor Shermet will begin with “Music from the Holocaust Period.” She’ll later switch to “Music of the Great Cantors.” Rabbi Azriel will wrap up the spring months by looking at local and world events through a Jewish lens and delving into the meanings behind the headlines of the important news stories of our day. “We’re always learning something,” said Beth Brodkey who has been going to Adult Study with the Clergy for years. “There was some form of it with (the late) Rabbi (Sidney) Brooks,” she recalled. “The people are intelligent and fun, and I find it very stimulating.” “We discuss an array of different topics from history to Iraqi Jews, the Middle East, and politics,” added Silvia Roffman, anther loyal Adult Study aficionado. “It’s a very loosely organized group. We have wonderful round-table discussions.” Actually, the learners have outgrown a table and now sit in rows of chairs in Temple’s Milder Center. “It’s a mingling and a crosssection of views with a prayer and a treat,” she only halfway teased. “I go for the learning and companionship with old and new friends,” said Debbie Alpert, a six or seven-year veteran of Adult Study. “There’s a variety of people who come. It’s not overcrowded.” Some come just in the summer when they have the time. Newcomers -- including men -- are always welcome. Topics are not specific to women. When Adult Study ends in May, “We really miss being together,” Roffman disclosed. So for the past three summers, the group has met without the clergy. Every other week, someone volunteers to bring an article from a periodical or the internet. “We never know where the conversation is going to go,” Roffman said. The New York Times, The Forward, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Hadassah, Reform Judaism and Moment magazines -even Jews for Jesus are used for springboards into lively conversation. “Summer is much more informal,” added Brodkey. “Sometimes we stick with the subject, and sometimes we don’t. We get sidetracked,” she admitted, “which is nice!”
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by BARBARA PETERSON Director, Council Bluffs Public Library The Council Bluffs Public Library has received a grant from the American Library Association to host a free five-part reading and discussion series called “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature -- Identity and Imagination.” The series explores Jewish literature and culture through scholar-led discussions of contemporary and classic books on a common theme. The library’s series will explore the theme of “Neighbors: The World Next Door.” The library is one of more than 250 libraries nationwide receiving grants to host the series developed by Nextbook and the American Library Association (ALA). Local support for the series is provided by Kripke Jewish Federation Library. The series begins on Sunday, Aug. 12, 3:30 p.m., at the Kripke Library. Enjoy music, food, fun and hear a little about the discussion series. The first program will explore A Journey to the End of the Millennium by A. B. Yehoshua and will be held on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2 p.m., at the Council Bluffs Public Library. All programs will be held at Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Ave, or the Kripke Library. For details or to register, please contact Lynn Friesner,
712.323.7553, x135, lfriesner@cbpl.lib.ia.us, or Gary Katz, 402.334.6461, gkatz@jewishomaha.org. Additional books will be discussed once per month. at the library. These books are: Red Cavalry by Issac Babel, Sept. 30; Neighbors: The Destruction of the Jewish Community in Jedwabne, Poland by Jan Gross, Oct. 28; The Assistant by Bernard Malamud, Nov. 18; and Mona in the Promised Land by Gish Jen, Dec. 9. Dr. Joan Latchaw, English Department, University of Nebraska at Omaha will lead a discussion of the book at each session. Dr. Latchaw was the scholar for the 2006 “Let’s Talk about It: Jewish Literature Series, A Mind of Her Own: Fathers and Daughters in a Changing World.” The Council Bluffs Public Library’s hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The library’s website is www.cbpl.lib.ia.us. Books for the discussion series may be picked up at the SecondFloor Reference Desk. The Kripke Library hours are Monday, 9 a.m..-8 p.m.., Tuesday, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Wednesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m. The library’s website is wwwjewishomaha.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
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In addition, the following students (not pictured) were awarded scholarships: Yevgeniy Ayol, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Don and Nancy Greenberg Scholarship Fund, Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation; Janet Baack, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Barry E. Epstein Memorial Health Care Fund; Mathew Chasen, Metropolitan Community College, Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum Scholarship Fund; Aaron Fredricks, Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, Barry E. Epstein Memorial Health Care Fund; Claire Fredricks, Creighton University Law School, Leo and Aileen Eisenstatt Scholarship Fund; Yelena Ginzburg, Creighton University, Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship Fund, The Livingston Scholarships, Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation; Chaya Katzman, Machon Chaya Mushka Seminary in Tsfat, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund; Kseniya Kilishek, Rhode Island School of Design, Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund; Roman Kilishek, University of Nebraska-Omaha Alan and Annie Fleishman Scholarship Fund, Nate H. and Beatrice Sherman Scholarship Continued on page 7
August 3, 2007
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Red Cross rejects claim
Beth Israel Sisterhood to meet this month
Continued from page 1 “The Red Cross didn’t exactly distinguish itself during World War II,” Stern said, referring to widespread criticism that it didn’t do enough for those in the concentration camps. “Now they are a different Red Cross. It’s not fair to act as if nothing has changed.” In response to a question about how effective the Red Cross has been in trying to reach the kidnapped soldiers, the Israeli Consulate in New York released a statement saying that “Israel is calling upon all international organizations, including the U.N. and the Red Cross, to fulfill their mission and obtain information about the kidnapped soldiers and help secure their immediate release and return home to their families." Schorno said the Red Cross would continue to press Hamas and Hezbollah. “We’re not taking no for an answer,” he said. “We’re not letting this slip off the radar.”
by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue August is a time of enjoying the last days of summer and “back to school.” It also marks a renewal of sisterhood, when Beth Israel’s Sisterhood gathers back together and plans for the new year. There will be a Sisterhood open board meeting and breakfast on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. Attendees will brainstorm ideas for the coming year and plan for the Annual Donor event in October. All Sisterhood members are invited to attend. There is no charge for the bagels and coffeecake breakfast. This year, Sisterhood is led by the presidium of Julee Katzman, Debbie Kricsfeld and Bette Kozlen. According to Katzman, “Our meeting is an opportunity to talk about and learn about the exciting programs we are planning for this year. We value everyone’s input.” She added, “We’re rejuvenating this organization. It’s an exciting time for Sisterhood as we make changes to meet the needs of the variety of women who are so important and play such a vital role in our organization and the synagogue. So come be a part of what’s happening.” Sisterhood’s “Spirits and Spirituality” resumes in
College scholarship awards Continued from page 6 Fund; Mark Linsky, Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies, The Livingston Scholarships, Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation; Victoria Mashinson, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship Fund; Annelise Ocanto, Jewish Theological Seminary in Jerusalem, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund; Jamie Skog, Jewish Theological Seminary, Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund; Emily Sternberg, University of Missouri-Columbia, Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship Fund, Albert M. and Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education Fund; and Adam Trubnikov, Iowa State University, Carl Frohm Educational Fund, Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation.
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August, too. A group for women of all ages, the gathering is an opportunity to connect with other women and explore Judaism from a uniquely feminine perspective. Participants enjoy wine and light refreshments each month. The next event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 14, 8 p.m., at the home of Rebbitzin Jeanette Nadoff, 857 So. 129th Ave. Cir. Future “Spirits and Spirituality” gatherings are on Oct.16, Nov.13 and Dec. 10. “It’s so nice to have it at our beloved Rebbitzin Nadoff’s home,” said Katzman. “And we’re thrilled that our program will be delivered by Havah Oxman. She will be in Omaha visiting her parents, Rabbi Brett and Cori Oxman, who are new to our community. We feel fortunate that Havah will share her insights with us.” Future Sisterhood events include a lunch on Tuesday, Sept. 4, noon, and the Annual Donor in October. The September lunch will feature Mike Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. In October, the donor luncheon will feature a style show from Steinmart and a silent auction. Those interested in donating an item or gift certificate can contact Kelly Kirk at 891.4234 or kkirk@cox.net. For information, please call the synagogue office at 556.6288.
Exploring family roots focus of upcoming Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh meeting by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Where are you from and how did you end up in Omaha? Where are your family’s roots, and what led them to move to the Cornhusker state? Members of the Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh group will answer these questions as they welcome the month of Elul on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 7 p.m., at the home of Phyllis
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Hoffman, 971 So. 95 St. Hoffman, along with co-host Lourdes Secola, will lead the evening’s discussion.The formal meeting will commence at 7:30 p.m. Secola and Hoffman encourage attendees to bring their personal stories and photos to share with the group, and “together we’ll look back on where we’ve been, as well as look forward to a sweet new year!”
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
Summer’s half over ...now what? Conventional wisdom has it that’s summer’s half over by July 4th even though it doesn’t officially begin until June 21. By the first week in August, however, we can admit playtime is nearly over. In fact, most students will return to Omaha area schools in just a couple of weeks. That early start date makes it awkward for high school students returning from trips to Israel (East Coast schools don’t begin until after Labor Day) or for campers who attended eight-week summer sessions. Parents who thought they’d have a leisurely summer now find themselves scrambling to purchase school supplies and clothes for the start of a new academic year. And all the camp laundry is still piled up waiting to be washed. Do parents ever get a break during the summer? One look at the calendar makes it clear that most programs have gone on a summer hiatus. With the exception of a few classes here and there, the occasionl discussion group or Rosh Hodesh gathering, there’s not much in the way of intellectual stimulation for parents getting their first taste of being empty nesters -- or for those whose children have long flown the coop. Should Jewish organizations be rethinking their programming calendars? (Speaking of which, the Jewish Community Center won’t be publishing its annual calendar this year. However, readers can go to the JCC’s website at: www.jccomaha.org, and print out a copy.) What kind of offerings does Omaha’s Jewish community want in the summer? We’d like to know. Send your ideas, suggestions, comments, gripes, and questions to the Jewish
Press at 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 or e-mail ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Tell us what you’d like to see? Classes (on what subject?) More films (there was a program of short films, followed by a discussion on Sunday -- were you there?)? How-to projects (like how to make a sukkah, create your own New Year’s cards, crochet a kippa, knit a baby blanket)? Or what about groups getting together to learn new tunes for the High Holidays, discuss the Jewish themes in Harry Potter (see column on page 9) or learn about travelling “Jewishly” in other countries? Summer’s almost over. What have you done?
Salvaging the Iraq War motivation to remove coalition forces greatly exceeds coalition motivation to remain. “The U.S.-led effort to fix Iraq is not important enough for Americans, Britons, or other nonby DANIEL PIPES Muslim partners to stick it out.” Now again, I reiterate that lack of will (how many Americans or Britons Two positions dominate and polarize the American body politic today. Some say care deeply about Iraq's future course?) means the war is lost, so leave Iraq. Others say the that coalition forces cannot achieve the grandiose goal of rehabilitating Iraq. In calling war can be won, so keep the troops in place. I split the difference and offer a third route. for withdrawal, critics reflect the national The occupation is lost but the war can be won. mood that leaves the Bush administration Keep U.S. troops in Iraq but remove them increasingly isolated, a trend that almost surely will continue. from the cities. I already predicted President George W. Bush is right to But President George W. Bush is right to failure for an insist on keeping troops in Iraq. insist on keeping American-led military In part, America’s credibility is on troops in Iraq. occupation of Iraq in In part, America’s February 1991, right the line. The country cannot afford credibility is on the after the Kuwait war line. The country canended, writing then what Victor Davis Hanson notes that an occupation would be its first-ever battlefield flight. not afford what Victor Davis Hanson notes lasting for more than some months “would probably lead to one of would be its first-ever battlefield flight. The the great disasters in American foreign policy.” cut-and-run crowd deludes itself on this point. I reached this conclusion on the basis of the Senator George Voinovich (Republican of Iraqi populace coming “very strongly to resent Ohio) holds that “If everyone knows we’re a predominantly American occupying force.” leaving [Iraq], it will put the fear of God in Therefore, I concluded, as the ignominy of them,” to which Jeff Jacoby sardonically sniper fire buries the prestige of high-tech mil- replies in the Boston Globe: sure, “Nothing itary superiority, “the famous victory achieved scares al-Qaeda like seeing Americans in by Tomahawks, Tornadoes, and Patriots retreat.” The troops should remain in Iraq for anothwould quickly become a dim memory.” In April 1991, I added that “American er reason too: Iraq offers an unrivaled base troops would find themselves quickly hated, from which to influence developments in the with Shi’is taking up suicide bombing, Kurds world’s most volatile theater. Coalition govresuming their rebellion, and the Syrian and ernments can use them to: • Contain or rollback the Iranian and Syrian Iranian governments plotting new ways to sabotage American rule. Staying in place governments; • Assure the free flow of oil and gas; would become too painful, leaving too humil• Fight Al-Qaeda and other international iating.” With the occupation a half-year old in terrorist organizations; • Provide a benign presence in Iraq. October 2003, I forecast that “the mission in Iraq will end in failure” because the Iraqi Continued on page 9
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
Update on U.S. Passports: a few weeks ago, the Jewish Press offered some tips for traveling safely. We’ve recently learned that your 10-year poassport is really only valid for nineand-a-half years! Apparently most foreign countries will not allow travelers to enter if their passports expire within six months. In fact, airlines won’t allow passengers in that situation to even board the flight overseas! With passport renewals and applications taking 16 weeks or more to process, apply now if your passport expires anytime in 2008. And if it expires by the end of 2007 and you’re planning on traveling overseas ... good luck!
(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Just a quick note about the article in the July 20 issue on the subject of old photographs -- I think everyone can relate to the thoughts expressed by Ozzie Nogg in her Jewish Press column, Staying in Touch. I particularly loved the ending when she acknowledged the feelings that accompany the discarding of old photographs. To see these human emotions articulated so well is very heart-warming. What a great piece, so well done. Bonnie Fellman To the Editor: Oh my, did Ozzie Nogg’s column on family photographs ever hit home and give me a chuckle! I can relate as I have been in the middle of going through old albums and loose pictures of friends and families and people I don’t even remember. Are they keepsakes or clutter? Yes, both. I’ve taken my albums apart and separated the families and sent them off to the next generation. After all I really don’t want them and my children will not even know who they are. Some of my cousins were delighted as I had pictures of their parents’ wedding. Those I don’t know or remember I have pitched and I promise you no evil curses have occurred so far that I am aware of. It’s all bubbeh meisehs. And I’ve even learned to hit ‘Delete’’ -- how many pictures do I need taking up space on my computer of my granddaughter in her Halloween costume or dance recital? I swear they are like rabbits multiplying in boxes and drawers. I’m tired of trying to make albums. I wish I had been as organized as Gary Gerelick and noted the dates, places and who the people were in the pictures. But, alas, I was not and simply threw them in a box or drawer. I’ve learned to pitch or give away -so far I am in one piece. Barbara Lashinsky
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $40 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Page 9
Giving up Gaza, again? Teaching our kids through Harry Potter On the evil side, Rowling taps into the history of Nazi N EWS ANALYSIS Germany. She divided the magical world into “pureBEHIND THE by JINSA STAFF bloods� (no Muggles in the bloodline), “half-bloods� (one magical parent and one Muggle parent), and, to H EADLINES We didn’t say anything about Israeli Prime Minister underscore the nonsense of it all, children born with by RICHARD S. GELLER Heritage Florida Jewish News ORLANDO, FL -- I read to my kids almost every night. When Hannah reached first grade, tired of Dr. Seuss, we began reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The story hooked us instantly into a world of witches, wizards, and “Muggles� (non-magical people). By the end of first grade, Hannah had developed such a love of reading, that she was devouring thousands of pages by herself. Like millions of other children, thanks to Harry Potter, reading remains one of Hannah’s passions. A decade after Harry Potter first appeared, many agree that J.K. Rowling has created one of the most enduring works in English literature. The stories are imaginative, complex, and entertaining even to adults. The main characters resonate with our children because they seem like normal kids, who develop deep friendships, find courage in their shared adventures, and seek a sense of belonging. The characters also experience some less pleasant aspects of growing up: Cramming for exams. Strict teachers. The awkward first date.
Salvaging the Iraq War Continued from page 8 At present, however, coalition forces barely have time to tend to these strategic goals, so bogged down are they with the tactical objectives they do least well -clearing alleyways, keeping the electricity flowing, protecting themselves from suicide bombers, defending the “Green Zone,� and many other small-bore tasks. I call for international troops to be released from improvised explosive devices, urban foxholes, and armed convoys, and redeployed to the deserts and borders where they and their high-tech equipment can play a strategic role. This implies the coalition abandoning its overly ambitious goal of a democratic, free, and prosperous Iraq, aiming instead for an Iraq that is secure, stable, and decent. In particular, holding elections in January 2005, a mere 22 months after the tyrant’s overthrow, was premature and unrealistic; Iraqis will need years, perhaps decades, to learn the subtle habits of an open society. Removing Saddam Hussein was a realistic and welcome act of international sanitation but repairing Iraq in the face of a liberated, fractured, and ideological Iraqi populace remains beyond the coalition’s will. The coalition gave Iraqis a fresh start; it cannot take responsibility for them nor rebuild their country. Focusing on the strategic level also means the coalition distancing itself from Iraq’s internal developments and treating Iraqis as adults shaping their own destiny, not as wards: no more hugging the country’s leaders, treating its parliamentarians as subalterns, nor encouraging local partners to emigrate to Denmark or the United States. That means staying the course but changing the course, redeploying to desert bases, not leaving Iraq. Pipes is an author, lecturer, and director of the Middle East Forum; read more opinion pieces at his website: www.DanielPipes.org.
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magical abilities, but with no magical lineage whatsoever. The series’ heroine, Hermione, born to Muggles, is the Hogwarts School’s hardest-working and most talented student. However, that doesn’t stop her and Harry’s “pure-blood� nemesis, the bigoted Draco Malfoy, from taunting her as a “mudblood.� Rowling also created a Hitler-like antagonist, Voldemort, who rallies his SS-like “Death Eaters� on notions of preserving their “pure-blood� heritage. Draco, who eventually joins the Death Eaters, threatens of the coming genocide in Goblet of Fire, “I warned you!... They’ll be the first to go, now the Dark Lord’s back! Mudbloods and Muggle-lovers first!� Hitler entered into alliances with “non-Aryans,� including Soviet Russia (temporarily), imperial Japan, and the Arab Mufti of Jerusalem. To gain power, Voldemort similarly allies himself with those bearing no resemblance to the “pure-blood� ideal, including a werewolf, giants, and ghoulish cloaked monsters known as “Dementors.� Ironically, Voldemort himself is a halfblood, born to a Muggle father. Reminiscent of Hitler’s 1,000-year Reich, Voldemort seeks to remain in power forever, by using a dark magical spell to achieve immortality. In the Harry Potter movies, actor Ralph Fiennes, the sadistic camp commander of Schindler’s List, is perfectly cast as Voldemort. The latest film and fifth book, Order of the Phoenix, presents a naive government known as the “Ministry of Magic� refusing to believe Harry’s eyewitness account of Voldemort’s return. Harry reminds one of early death camp escapees, disbelieved by those in power, by the press, and even by soon-to-be victims. Harry is mocked, playing the role of Moshe the Beadle, who escaped the Nazis and warned the villagers at the beginning of Elie Wiesel's autobiography, Night. Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, who does believe Harry, is reminiscent of Winston Churchill’s lone voice in the 1930s warning of Hitler. Rowling creates uncanny parallels to 1930s European leaders, who would not believe Hitler's true intentions and capabilities. Harry himself is an average wizard, with average grades, humble, and yet, out of love for his friends and vengeance for his parents’ murders, finds courage to fight Voldemort despite bleak odds. Harry is not unlike the orphans who rose against the Nazis in the Warsaw ghetto, although we hope for a better outcome in the last book, Deathly Hallows. Hannah just turned eight, and, wanting to shelter her from our cruel history, I haven’t had the heart to teach her about what happened to her Eastern European relatives, left behind by her great-grandparents who immigrated to America. When the time comes to teach her about the deathly Holocaust, J.K. Rowling will have made my burden easier. She has laid the groundwork for Holocaust education. Richard S. Geller is an attorney with Rumberger Kirk and Caldwell, P.A. in Orlando. He serves on the board of directors of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida.
Ehud Olmert's overtures to Abu Mazen in the wake of Hamas’s swift and brutal putsch in Gaza. We did worry about President Bush offering further incentives to Abu Mazen who, we believe, has never been willing and/or able to use them to create a political future with Israel. He can only be less able after losing a war, half of his population base and much of his weaponry. Therefore, we were totally dismayed to read Stratfor quoting Ha’aretz saying, “Israeli officials said Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is ready to discuss 'an agreement of principles’ that would create a Palestinian state made up of 90 percent of the land in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank in addition to linking the two with a tunnel.� First, how can Mr. Olmert propose the creation of a Palestinian state or anything else in Gaza? He isn’t in it, doesn’t control it and can’t talk to the people who do. Which leads to the second point. With whom is he planning to discuss his principles? Abu Mazen? Abu Mazen doesn’t control the Gaza Strip any more than Olmert does. To make a deal covering both territories, Abu Mazen would have to reach accommodation with Hamas, and it appears he is already working on it. Does Mr. Olmert accept that? And at what cost to Israel? Or perhaps the Israeli Prime Minister will discuss his principles directly with Hamas. Will he do it while Hamas is firing rockets at Sderot, importing ever more lethal weapons and insisting it will not only not recognize Israel, but will use military force to eliminate it? Third point: a tunnel?! Controlled by whom? Running under what? Secured how? Tunneling is a favorite Palestinian pastime. The Palestinians were using a stolen Austrian tunnel digger in Lebanon in the early 1980s to hide weapons and fighters before Operation Peace for Galilee in 1982. (Hezbollah is a Johnny-come-lately here.) In Gaza, the Palestinians have been tunneling from Egyptian-controlled Rafah to Israeli-controlled Rafah for years. Tunnels up to 35 meters deep, lined with electric lights, rails and handcars have been used to bring everything from rocket-propelled grenade launchers to cigarettes and whiskey into Gaza (we suspect the whiskey is a thing of the past). The idea of a secure tunnel from Gaza to the West Bank is absurd. And, since Gaza and the West Bank are at war with each other as well as with Israel, a tunnel would simply allow Gaza fighters and weapons to come to the West Bank and vice versa. This is no to way “strengthens Abu Mazen� if that is Israel’s goal. Bottom line: Israel appears ready to give up on any conditions that would once have been required of the Palestinians for a secure Israel next to a Palestinian state. The Israeli Prime Minister appears ready to let go of the whole thing now - forget President Bush’s conditions for “leaders untainted by terror, clean institutions, etc.� And Hamas -- the long arm of Iran -- is calling the shots. Meanwhile, no one in Israel and few in the United States appear to object. Is this demoralization the long-term effect of last summer’s war or political opportunism run amok? JINSA, The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, is online at: www.jinsa.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
Candlelighting Friday, Aug. 3, 8:21 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org
Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com
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B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 8 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit and Gemara class; Havdalah, 9:24 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. FRIDAY: services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SHABBAT DINNER All Jewish adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to a Summertime Sangria Shabbat dinner on Friday, Aug. 10, following Kabbalat Shabbat. Cost is $10. For information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office or at programming@bethelomaha.org. WHAT’S JEWISH ABOUT ME? Arts and crafts and music activities for children ages threesix on Sunday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m. Free of charge. WOMEN’S ROSH CHODESH GROUP Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m. at the home of Phyllis Hoffman, 971 So. 95 St. For reservations, contact Hoffman at 391.7795 or exbubbe@cox.net. SISTERHOOD HONEY SALE Volunteers needed to help bottle and package honey on Sundays, Aug. 5, 12, 19. Contact Wendy Berenson, 253.2028 or Munch765@aol.com or Caryn Rifkin, 334.7216 or crgr6175@aol.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY, 6 p.m.: outdoor service potluck dinner at Holmes Lake Park, 70th and Normal Blvd. RSVP to the office or call Dottie Shapiro, 489.5372. SATURDAY: Shabbat Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. TUESDAYS, 7 p.m.: Beginner Hebrew: A Crash Course, led by Rabbi Emanuel on Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28. THURSDAY: Saratoga Food Distribution Program at Saratoga Elementary, 2215 So. 13 St., 5 p.m.; Choir Rehersal, 7 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE BEYT SHALOM
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Halacha, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.; A Peek Through the Lens of Kabbalah, 8 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Phyllis Hoffman.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at the JCC Pavilion; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service. D’var Torah: Jon Meyers, “Who’d-a-thunk-it”. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. No facilities for infants.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours are Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FRIDAY: Nosh, 6:15 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m., Torah service, 10:15 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows. MONDAY and THURSDAY, Minyan, 9 a.m. Please contact the office to make arrangements for a minyan at another time. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. Saturday, Aug. 11: the aufruf of Brittany Perry and Thomas Evnen will be followed by a Kiddush luncheon sponsored by Debra and Bob Evnen.
TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services conducted by Rabbi Michael Weisser. FRIDAYS: Sabbath Experience, 7:30 p.m. Havdalah: SATURDAYS: Rites of Separation, 6:30 p.m.; Drumming Meditation until 8 p.m.; Social Time until 10 p.m. Sitting/Silent MONDAYS: Meditation, 6 p.m.; Teachings/ Discussion, 7:30 p.m. Sitting/ WEDNESDAYS: Silent Meditation, 6 p.m.; 8 Weeks to Mindfulness Class, 7:30 p.m.
Flood damage to Judaica collection shines light on St. Petersburg strife by MATT SIEGEL MOSCOW (JTA) -- One of Europe’s finest collections of classic Judaica was damaged by flooding in the basement the new Jewish community center in St. Petersburg built and operated by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. What could have turned into yet another flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between local Jewish activists and officials at the center, called Yesod, instead became a rare instance of cooperation. It does not solve the larger issue, however, of finding a permanent home for the Judaica collection, which local activists say should rightly be housed in Yesod’s new library room -- a contention Yesod officials do not accept. The flooding occurred the night of July 13 following heavy rains in St. Petersburg. According to an e-mail letter sent by Dmitry Elyashevich, rector of the St. Petersburg Institute for Jewish Studies and manager of the Judaica collection, some of the books have been “lost irretrievably,” including “valuable 19thcentury editions published in Medzhibozh, Vilno, Slavuta.” Elyashevich called the flooding
“a catastrophe,” and worried that more books would be destroyed by dampness and mold if they remained in the flooded basement. Yesod director Menachem Lepkivker, who is also the JDC director in St. Petersburg, called the damage “minor,” and said he and his staff “responded immediately” once they were informed of the situation. Indeed, Elyashevich acknowledged Lepkivker’s help in a letter thanking him for stepping in “promptly” and providing two temporary rooms “for transferring the dry books and drying the dampened books,” along with additional personnel to help with these tasks. But Elyashevich and other local Jewish leaders affiliated with his institute, who have been vocal in their criticism of Yesod since its opening, say the problem would not have occurred had the Judaica collection still not been stored in the Yesod basement, where it was moved 18 months ago. They say they agreed to move the collection of rare and historical tomes, widely considered the finest in all of the former Soviet Union, into the community center under an agreement that they would be
Jewish community’s disparate groups under one roof, has been the center of controversy. Longtime local Jewish activists accuse the JDC of ignoring their input into the construction and management of the center, while the JDC leadership has responded with accusations of financial mismanagement on the part of these local groups. The JDC charges further The aftermath of a flood in the basement of a that the groups are unwillJewish community center in St. Petersburg, ing or unable to underRussia, which damaged an important collection stand the changing needs of Judaica. Credit: Matt Siegel/JTA of a new, more modern housed in a specially designed Jewish community. library in the new building. Some of the more vocal criticism JDC officials, on the other hand, expressed by these local activists to say there was never such an agree- JTA concerns the storage of the ment, and rather than holding the Judaica collection in the basement. books hostage, as the comAlik Frenkel, who runs a longplainants charge, the organization time Jewish community center in was doing the library a favor. St. Petersburg that is at odds with “The books were stored in the Yesod, criticized the situation that Yesod building as a free service to led to the flooding. the library while the director of the “I was really surprised that a new library is contemplating the future building could be of his venture,” Lepkivker said. flooded,”Frenkel said. “But in a The multimillion-dollar Yesod way I wasn’t surprised because center, built by the JDC two years really it was terrible conditions for ago in an effort to consolidate the the library.”
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
August 3, 2007
In consequence of ...
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Ekev We are now into the third Sidra of Deuteronomy. We cannot help thinking, therefore, of the fall Holy Days which are in the offing. Far away to be sure, but still already in mind. Thus it is apparent that one thing leads to another, and this is the essential meaning of “Ekev,” the title of our Sidra. Etymologically it is a wonderful word. If you remember, Jacob at birth, was hanging on to the heel of Esau, striving to become firstborn. Ekev literally means “heel” or rather “on the heels of” and in our Sidra, the Lord is promising Israel many happy results to its faithfulness. “Ekev” your faithfulness, many good things will follow, among them were rich lands, which had not been occupied before. As one wag put it: these virgin lands were places on which the hand of Man had never set foot. There are other places, biblically, where the contrary is also given: if you fail to do thus and so, then certain calamities will follow. This is not so here. This sacred text simply suggests rewards, “Ekev” your faithfulness to the Lord’s teaching. It is not surprising that the ancient liturgists chose one of the magnificent passages of Deutero-Isaiah for our Haftarah. There are three Haftarot of consolation following Tisha b’Av. Ours is the second. The whole thrust of the discussion is that events do not happen randomly. They follow one another because they are logically connected. “As the day follows the night” so reward or punishment follows a previous action. “Ekev” means “ on the heels of” or more accurately, “on the heel of.” The Israelites were left to ponder this natural sequence of events: prosperity or disaster depends on your action. We live, the text implies, in a universe of morality. You yourself decide your future.
Beth El welcomes all toddlers and parents to learn ‘What’s Jewish About Me?’ by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Youngsters and their parents are promised a morning of fun and games during Beth El’s ‘What’s Jewish About Me?’ program, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This special event, geared to children ages three-six, will feature arts and crafts, story telling, music and creative movement activities; lunch will be included. Early-childhood specialist Helen Epstein will lead the morning’s activities, and is enthusiastic about facilitating the latest in the synagogue’s ‘What’s Jewish About ...’ series. “From the top of your rosh (head) to the bottom of your etzbaot (toes), Judaism seeps from your pores. We decided on the topic for that very reason,” Epstein remarked, “and will focus on the Hebrew words for many parts of the body.” She added that leading this series over the past several years has been particularly satisfying. “I love watching parents and children interacting in a positive manner.” All families in the Jewish community are welcome to attend, at no charge. Reservations are required by Aug. 8, and may be made by contacting Program Director Margie Gutnik at the synagogue at 492.8550 or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Monday, Sept. 3 for Labor Day. The New Year’s issue publishes Sept. 7; all schedules, board lists and rabbis’ messages are due to the Press office no later than Aug. 10. Questions? Call 402. 334.6448.
Israeli firm going ‘green’ in U.S. by TOM TUGEND LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- An Israeli company will build what is being called the world’s largest solar energy park in Southern California’s Mojave Desert. The $2 billion project will supply enough electricity to power 400,000 homes in central and northern California. The Mojave Solar Park is expected to be completed in 2011. On July 25, Israel’s Solel Solar Systems and California’s Pacific Gas and Electric public utility signed a 25-year contract. Project leader David Saul, Solel’s chief operating officer, described the venture as “a landmark” and “the largest solar project built to date” in a phone interview during his brief visit to San Francisco. California state agencies must still approve the solar park, but Pacific Gas & Electric and Solel spokespeople said they were confident because state regulations mandate that at least 20 percent of electricity provided by public utilities must be based on renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, by 2010. The solar park will stretch over 6,000 acres or nine square miles, use 1.2 million mirrors and 317 miles of vacuum tubing to harness the power of the desert sun, and deliver 553 megawatts of clean energy. The American-born Saul, a graduate of the University of California Berkeley, started his career in Silicon Valley and moved to Israel in 1983. He said Solel will design and manufacture the components at its plant in Bet Shemesh, west of Jerusalem, and will be responsible for the development of the park along with a number of American firms. Solel’s primary development office will be in Los Angeles. Solel will use its patented technology in which rows of trough-like mirrors heat a special fluid that generates steam, which powers turbines that generate electricity to be transmitted to Pacific Gas & Electric’s grid. The technology was developed by another Israeli company, Luz, which built nine solar power plants in the Mojave Desert between 1984 and 1991. Luz went bankrupt in the early 1990s, but the plants are still operational and recently were upgraded by Solel. Solel, the world’s largest solar thermal company, is also building a large solar park in southern Spain. In Israel, the installation of solar water heating systems on practically all homes and buildings is mandatory, but there are no solar parks on a scale of the Mojave project. Critics in Israel blame that on bureaucratic roadblocks. The Israeli government recently announced plans for a solar plant near Dimona in the Negev Desert.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
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DEATH WILLIAM MARSHALL ROSEN Bill Rosen died July 21 after battling cancer. He was 58. Services were held July 23 at Temple Israel with interment at Beth El Cemetery. He was preceded in death by father, Ben Rosen, and brother, Paul Rosen. He is survived by his mother, Rose Rosen, wife, Margo Rosen; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kate Rosen of Boston; and son, David Rosen of Brooklyn, NY. Memorials to the Temple Israel Social Justice Fund or charity of choice.
To Submit Announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit other announcements--births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
August 3, 2007
Whirlwind in the Partnership by STACEY ROCKMAN well, earlier this summer. The group Omaha Chairman toured Acco with the yeshiva boys, Partnership with Israel including the old city and the Ramchal Over the past several weeks, readers synagogue. The kids were shocked that have had a chance to learn about the dif- the synagogue didn’t have a place for ferent Omaha groups that have visited women and that the rabbi led the service Israel this summer. As Chairman of from what appeared to be below ground. Omaha’s Partnership with Israel proThe prison was a learning experience gram, I can’t tell you how special it was to for many of the 23 children who had see first-hand such a whirlwind of activity known little about the British occupation in our Partnership area -- the Omaha of Israel and about Israel’s fight for indeJewish Community practically took over pendence. The group was amazed with the Western Galilee. the beauty and serenity of the caves at Two young volunteers, Jamie Skog and Rosh Hanikra. The highlight was dinner Aron Neesman, came for three weeks, at Kibbutz Cabri with the Waisman famiteaching ly. They loved English daily meeting so to elementary many of our students at Israeli partners We i z m a n n and enjoyed school, and hours of jumpvolunteering ing rope. with kids at Twenty three House on teachers from Wheels two Omaha also afternoons a enjoyed their week. They visit to the also had lots region. The of fun touring highlight was the area, the visit to the meeting new Arab village of Galit Nevo from the Partnership area speaks to participeople and Sheikh Danun. pants of the Center for Jewish Education’s Educators’ learning a lot The hospitaliMission about the educational structure in the area. about Israel ty, dinner, and themselves. dance lessons and people were amazing. Omaha was also represented with the The joint presence of these four diverse Artists-in-Residence pilot program with groups from Omaha speaks volumes the attendance of talented Omahan, Kim about the growing strength of the Goldberg. Goldberg, who chairs Partnership program. I’m thrilled that Omaha’s arts taskforce, spent a week liv- the wonderful people and sights of the ing and working with the residents of Western Galilee are now engraved in the Moshave Netiv Ha’shayra. Together they hearts of more Omahans, and I can painted murals on the youth club and assure you that the Omaha Jewish commanagement buildings. munity is very special to our friends in the Goldberg also worked with kids in cri- Western Galilee. sis who live and go to school at the While I was in Israel, I joined in the celWestern Galilee Hospital, where the ebration of Partnership’s 10th annivergroup painted a colorful wall. sary. As robust as Partnership is today, The Family Mission, 46 strong, was in just imagine what the next 10 years will the Western Galilee for two nights as bring.
Out to the ballgame! Members of Visions and 39 Forever -- Peggy Chasen, left, Sandy Bromley, Fred Bromley, Sally Masnek, among them -- recently enjoyed a joint outing to Rosenblatt to watch the Royals take on the Iowa Cubs. The groups gathered at the Stadium View Club for dinner and a terrific (and air conditioned) view of the game. For information on upcoming programs, call Maggie Conti at: 334.6521.
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Young Adults to enjoy a bit of Italy during Beth El’s Summertime Sangria Shabbat By JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator All Jewish young adults in their 20s and 30s -- married and single -- are invited to Beth El on Friday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m., for a fun-filled Summertime Sangria Shabbat Dinner. Join together for the synagogue’s 6 p.m. musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, and then stay for this festive celebration, open to everyone in the Jewish community. The event, a spin-off from last summer’s ‘Mexican and Margaritas Shabbat Dinner,’ will focus on delicacies from Italy, said Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik. “We’ll feature various food stations around the social hall, each spotlighting
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different courses -- appetizers, salads and entrees; something to please every palate, and will offer both alcoholic and nonalcoholic Sangria,” Gutnik said. And for dessert? “What else but tiramisu?” she replied. She noted that free babysitting will be provided during the evening (including dinner), or children will be welcome to dine with their parents -- at no charge. Cost is $10 per adult; reservations, needed by Aug. 7, may be made by sending a check to Beth El, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. Note if your children will be joining you for the meal, or if babysitting is requested. For information, contact Gutnik at 492.8550 or programming@bethel-omaha.org.
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